Sheffield United ended last season in tenth place, just six points shy of the play-off places, finding the net just 62 times throughout the league campaign.

Ending the season 20 goals behind that of title winners, and now Premier League Wolves, shows that Chris Wilder’s side have a long way to go before they can be fully considered a promotion contender.

While the likes of Leon Clarke and Billy Sharp are strong attacking options in front of goal, having scored a combined 33 goals for Sheffield United last season, both players are in their early 30’s, and may have peaked in their careers; possibly signalling it may be time for a new face up top for the Blades.

Fellow Championship side Middlesbrough certainly don’t have the same problem, as Tony Pulis’ side will be heading into this coming season spoiled for choice in the centre forward position.

With the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede vying for the starting strikers spot, and Martin Braithwaite back in the picture during their pre-season training, it leaves question marks over what role Britt Assombalonga will play at the Riverside this season.

The 25-year-old, who is close to a decade younger than the current striking options at Chris Wilder’s disposal, started 34 times last season, scoring 15 goals.

Whilst that is a very respectable return for any striker, he only found himself in the starting lineup due to injury woes for Gestede and a loan spell away from the Riverside for Braithwaite. Now with Gestede back fit and raring to go, Braithwaite back in contention, and Bamford on fire towards the latter stages of the season, is there a future for the Dominican Republic of Congo international?

Having signed for Boro back in 2017 for what was a reported club record transfer fee of around £15m, he wouldn’t be a cheap addition to the current squad. But, is one that could be worth the investment.

There is no question that Assombalonga is a proven Championship goal scorer, having featured in England’s second flight for Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Watford over the years.

Despite his age, the powerful forward has experience playing across almost all levels of English football, having played in the non-league right up to the Championship.

Although clearly a proven talent, and one that could likely make it in the Premier League in the future, it doesn’t mean targeting a move for the striker would be pointless for the Blades, with the likes of fellow Championship side Birmingham City linked with a move for the English born forward.

His strong presence up top would be a great addition to any team at this level. With pace, strength and good finishing, Assombalonga is an all-round striker, with bags of potential.

Chris Wilder, if he is in the market for a younger, more talented striker, should be looking to get Britt Assombalonga to Bramall Lane this summer. It's ambitious and bold but could ensure a successful push for the play-offs next time around.